By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In adherence to the Department of Agriculture’s (D.A.) recommendation geared towards protecting the country’s agricultural sector, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) No. 93 on Friday, putting the brakes on importation of regular and well-milled rice for 60 days.
The President said, noting that the suspension on rice imports will take effect from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30, “Upon the recommendation of the D.A., the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice is hereby suspended. The suspension of importation shall not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers.”
President Marcos also emphasized that the period of suspension may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the D.A., Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
These agencies were likewise tasked to convene within 30 days after the 60-day rice import ban takes effect, to evaluate its impact on the supply and prices of the staple grain in the country.
Moreover, they are ordered to submit a joint recommendation to the President via the Executive Secretary within 15 days after the assessment meeting takes place.
The EO said, “According to the D.A., there is a need to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for 60 days, which will coincide with the peak of harvest season, to enable the domestic market to absorb the local supply, stabilize prices, and help Filipino farmers sell their palay at a fair and reasonable price.” (with report from Clay Pardilla/PTV News)
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